In Which Order Should You Play God of War Games

Embark on the Epic Journey of Kratos: The Ultimate God of War Game Order Guide

New to the God of War franchise and unsure where to begin? This guide navigates the complexities of the Greek and Norse sagas, offering optimal playing orders to maximize your experience.

All God of War Games (Essential Titles Only):

While ten games exist, only eight are crucial for the overarching narrative:

1. God of War (2005)
2. God of War II (2007)
3. God of War III (2010)
4. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
5. God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
6. God of War: Ascension (2013)
7. God of War (2018)
8. God of War Ragnarök (2022)

Popular Playing Orders:

Two primary approaches exist: release order and chronological order.

• Release Order: This mirrors the games' original launch sequence, offering a historical perspective on gameplay evolution. However, note that some prequels (like Chains of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta) may not match the main trilogy's production quality.

  1. God of War (2005)
  2. God of War II (2007)
  3. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
  4. God of War III (2010)
  5. God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
  6. God of War: Ascension (2013)
  7. God of War (2018)
  8. God of War Ragnarök (2022)
  9. God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode (2023)

• Chronological Order: This prioritizes narrative flow, but be aware of potential inconsistencies in graphics and gameplay between titles. The initial game in this order is often considered the weakest.

  1. God of War: Ascension (2013)
  2. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
  3. God of War (2005)
  4. God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
  5. God of War II (2007)
  6. God of War III (2010)
  7. God of War (2018)
  8. God of War Ragnarök (2022)
  9. God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla (2023)

Recommended Playing Order (Balancing Narrative and Gameplay):

This order considers both story and gameplay progression, offering a smoother, less jarring experience.

1. God of War (2005)
2. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
3. God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
4. God of War II (2007)
5. God of War III (2010)
6. God of War: Ascension (2013)
7. God of War (2018)
8. God of War Ragnarök (2022)
9. God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode (2023)

Note: Ascension is often considered the weakest entry. Consider watching a recap if the gameplay proves too challenging.

Alternative Playing Order (Norse Saga First):

For those prioritizing modern gameplay and visuals, starting with the Norse Saga offers a compelling alternative. While controversial among fans, this approach introduces players to the improved combat and stunning visuals before tackling the older titles.

1. God of War (2018)
2. God of War Ragnarök (2022)
3. God of War Ragnarök Valhalla Mode (2023)
4. God of War: Ascension (2013)
5. God of War: Chains of Olympus (2008)
6. God of War (2005)
7. God of War: Ghost of Sparta (2010)
8. God of War II (2007)
9. God of War III (2010)

Choose the order that best suits your preferences, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through the world of God of War!